Great video. With few errors. The biggest difference between original and prog (NX) isn't neck material, but then fact that prog got tremolo system, where original got fixed bridge) And worth mentioning Boden NX original got Suhr pickups for 6-string version and Fishman Fluid for 7 and 8 string. And on standard there is custom OEM Humbuckers on 6 string and Custom OEM soapbar Humbuckers for 7 and 8stringed versions.
This video doesn't have errors, it's out of date. I shot and published this before the launch of the NX line (it hadn't been announced yet) so that's why things are different now...what I'd argue is for the worse. And I did in a recent video discussing my issues with the current lineup which includes all the info you pointed out. Thanks for watching and subbing, here's the most current video if you're interested. Rock on! ua-cam.com/video/WYZyZvKxZ04/v-deo.html
All good, appreciate the comment! I pinned it to the top so hopefully anybody else watching this will see it and see it's out of date. I'd take it down but...ya know views are views and this took a lil bit to shoot/edit lol
Congrats on the new axe Ben! The NX series is next on my list for a review, I'm thinking about picking up a prog NX 6 in green maybe for a review I'll shoot this fall. Glad to hear the little changes are worth it
Thank you for watching and commenting! I just got a prog 6 in to review, that'll be out prob sometime in the spring, got five new guitar review videos in the works, and a new EP on the way. Thanks for the sub and support!
@@aminorerror Nice one man! I took your opinion into account and splashed out on an 8 string instead of the 6 (went for the classic 8 cos I'm not into the whole 'chambered body' thing on any guitar, like em solid, and alder seemed like I nice one too for an 8 string especially. Just need to find some decent pups to swap in....looking forward to your next videos - especially the prog one, and in time would love to see your thoughts in a comparison/shootout vid of each Strandberg 8 that you've been through!! Stay safe man and keep up the solid content
@@The2012jk YO congrats on the new axe!!! What color did you go with? So many great choices for 8 string pups out there, I'm not sure if fishman fluence would just drop right in on the routing on that guitar, but I love my set in my metal 8. Maybe a great set of passive dimarzio's if the fluence's wouldn't fit? I think I might have already mentioned it, but I made a video on some simple concepts to help speed up the transition process getting use to the 8, it might feel a bit overwhelming at first. Just stick with it and force yourself to keep picking it up and it'll get easier. Here's a link to my video, and congrats again!! ua-cam.com/video/VLSs0PDQGek/v-deo.html
@@aminorerror thanks man, went for a black classic 8. Very happy, yea I heard the fish mans are a good choice but I've played passives exclusively my whole life so not sure about the witch to actives, heard mixed things about fluency but they seem to be the best actives and maybe the best 8 string option in general. Will definitely look into dimarzios and got your video on adjusting to 8strings ready to fire up and look into today! Cheers for the advice again man, its invaluable to be able to get such reliable feedback from an experienced and honest source these days! Much appreciated, have a good one
Thanks for watching and commenting Tom. The issues I'm describing is actually a different one, although yes a ding in the 0 fret is an issue I've heard about although I've never ran into it with my 'berg and I've been playing some for years now. I was talking about rough fret edges, or fret sprout. Usually I've encountered this one cheaper guitars with bad fret work, and that's the issue these guitars have had that I've tested. It could be coming from a high humidity climate like Indonesia to the states is causing it, but either way it's clearly worth mentioning.
Hey man, just wanted your opinion since you're well versed in Strandberg Guitars. I'm really interested in buying one but I'm worried about the EndurNeck. I'm unable to try one so I'd just have to buy it and hope for the best haha. How did you find the transition to the neck?
Thanks for watching and commenting on my video! IMO, I think you'll like the neck. Almost anyone I've known who's tried one out has loved the ergonomics of the guitar in general and that def goes the same for the endureneck. I found it very quick to get used to the neck, if anything the multiscale aspect was harder than the shape of the endure neck at first. Within a couple days it all felt very natural to me, the flat part is where you're thumb is supposed to follow to help keep your wrist straighter and if you keep that in mind and sit in a classical position with a foot stand for your left foot you'll wonder how you ever practiced in any other way before. Also worth noting the fan and shape of the endureneck is pretty conservative on 6 string 'berg models, the fan and different neck shape really comes into play on a 7 or 8 string so if you're going 6 stringer I'd almost guarantee you'll love it. Hope that helps, thanks for watching!
I have a Prog NX 6 - it is not an ebony fretboard. I don't think any Strandberg has an ebony fretboard, but correct me if I am wrong. My guitar has Richlite, which I really like since it is so easy to maintain and you don't get the temp/humidity issues like fret sprout.
Yep you're right! They made the change to Richlite on the NX line but I made this video before that line came out (I've been debating making a new one?). I've got a Prog 7 NX in for review right now and I def agree, the Richlite is great and it's kinda a no brainer. Performs the same and it's more sustainable, basically a win win!
Nuts sorry to hear about your problems with the zero fret, it's one area I've actually never had any problems on any 'berg's I've tested or more importantly owned. I've heard other people talk about problems though and I know strindberg equips a harder metal for the 0 fret to help avoid this issue. Unfortunately you'll probably have to take it to a luthier and have them look at it to fix the issue, that's a bummer. Best of luck!
Hey great Vid here and explanations as always!! A couple of quick questions please: (1) Do you think that jump up to basically $3 grand justifies the neck-thru price tag? (2) Any thoughts on ebony versus maple fretboards? (3) What are your thoughts on the different pickup configurations? (4) Is tuning stability still an issue in the trem models you've played, and finally (5) Any thoughts on the chambered vs non-chambered models in terms of sound -- and weight? Ok, l that's it, I swear LOL...!! Thanks!
Thanks for watching and commenting! 1. Yes, the neck through on strandberg's is that good. Upper fret access is the best I've played on any brand guitar. Being as I'm mostly an ERG player and all neck through models right now are 6's, I'm impatiently waiting for a prog 7 in neck through lol 2. I don't find there's much of a tonal difference between maple or ebony. They're both hard woods (compared to something like rosewood) and IMO it comes down to cosmetic preference. 3. The different pickup configs are great, and it depends on the player. For me, I never use a middle single coil tones and the pickup always seems to just get in the way for me so the fusion layout isn't something I'd go out of my way to have. For other players it is though. I'm a two humbucker and a 5 way switch kinda player. 4. The tuning stability is as good as any other non double locking design (EBMM Petrucci model comes to mind). It's stable and will flutter ect but it will go out of tune if you REALLY abuse it and the fluttering isn't the greatest. For 99% of playing though it's great and for very accurate whammy bar work where you're using it to get at certain pitches is might be the best system. 5. I prefer chambered, the Strandberg website says that the solid body guitars have slightly better note definition for rhythm playing, but I've found the chambered body's to have great definition note wise. I always use a Kiesel for all my rhythm work anyway lol Hope that helps, and I've love to know what guitar you go with!
I wonder what would my local luthier say if I tell him to re-fret a strandberg true temperament (or any microtonal guitar). Is every ¨normal¨ luthier able to handle that?
I've got no idea, I think the true temperament system is supposed to be pretty modular but it's got to be harder to work with. They're also stainless steel frets which makes working on them harder too. The good news is they'll take a much longer time to wear so you shouldn't have to need any fretwork done for a long time.
Haha well thanks for checking out my guitar videos too. My car has been very reliable for me (knock on wood) and hasn't had any issues. Since I've owned my car since brand new I've kept up on all scheduled maintenance and I've never been late on an oil change (very important on a turbo car like mine) and at 53,000 miles the clutch is still in great shape. You'll obviously be buying one used so that can get tricky. If the previous owner didn't take care of it or missed oil changes you might be inheriting some problems (if you're going to for ecoboost and not a GT). I love my car but I've had crap experience with used cars in the past and I'm not interested in inheriting someone else's problems again so just be aware you might run into problems. Best of luck though, I think the redesign of the 2015 on up on Mustang's has been great.
> the only difference between the original and the prog is gonna be the fingerboard construction Doesn't prog has the tremolo and original the fixed bridge?
There's no difference in Pickups from a Prog or Original, but the Original can come with a Fixed bridge or a Tremolo where the prog is only a tremolo model. The biggest difference is the ebony finger board on the prog vs maple on the original.
@@aminorerror According to the strandberg website the original has “.strandberg original humbucker pickups” and the prog has “.Strandberg prog humbucker pickups”. This is under the spec list for the neck through models. The non neck through models have “fishman fluence modern pickups” for the prog and “Suhr SSH+ & SSV passive pickups” for the original
Ah good call, I wasn't checking the stats on the neck through models just the bolt on ones where they're the same. I'd be pretty skeptical of those strandberg branded pickups, I'm really surprised they're going with their own units in those guitars. I played a classic with strandberg pickups and was pretty disappointed overall. Those are obviously not the same set, but especially those Suhr pickups are amazing. A fusion and prog 6 I've got right now has them and they're amazing. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I'd enjoy a true temperament review on your channel when you can get your hands on one. For years I couldn't understand why my guitars could never seem to get perfectly in tune, and always assumed it was because I couldn't afford top of the line models. When I learned about true temperament frets it all made sense, and I've been wanting a TT guitar ever since. With Strandberg making them now it's a bit closer to a reasonable possibility for me (I'm saving for one now...). The ultimate combination for me would be neck-thru with TT... maybe Strandberg will release that combination by the time I've finished saving up for one.
Thanks for watching and commenting! The true temperament system is really interesting to me, both in that I won't if those weird looking frets are harder to play on and in that I won't if I'd like how it sounds. I recently watched a great video showing how John Fruscante tuned his strat out of tune so the interval of a third would be more pleasant sounding than in normal tuning. I wonder if the TT system would sound more like that recording? Unfortunately it prob won't be a while till I'll be able to try one out, although I just got a prog 6 in that I'm currently working on a new review. That'll be out in the spring when I'm releasing my new EP, can't wait to share all that with you! If you get your TT before I do be sure to let me know you're thoughts on it! ua-cam.com/video/Daw93bRHe4Y/v-deo.html
We should be careful not to promote the idea of a guitar ever being perfectly in tune; the true temperament frets I imagine make it closer, but even freshly and expertly tuned pianos are never perfectly in tune because each of the 12 possible key centers in western music has to be specifically tuned only for that key. It was a choice musicians and composers made to have the instruments be tuned to facilitate the ability to modulate freely from any key to any of the other 11 keys, and have each key be approximately in tune, but never quite perfect because if it was perfect for one key it would be further out for all the others, So we choose to compromise instead, and have instruments that are almost perfectly in tune but never quite so that they have the versatility to be able to play equally well in 12 different keys.
@@Gregorypeckory If a guitar can be tuned as well as a piano, I'll be happy. I understand it's not perfect because of how intervals and keys work, but to me a well tuned piano sounds "right" and being able to get that level of accuracy across the fretboard would be amazing. I understand it's not required because most music isn't produced on TT guitars and sounds great anyway, but I would enjoy having it for myself as a hobbyist.
@@jordanjennings I agree completely; I just think it's worth noting that none of our instruments that are designed to be played as well as can be in all keys, are only ever very close, never right on the money. However I agree that it sounds better the closer you get and I definitely don't mean to knock the effort; I love all guitar improvements and have always been a fan of innovators like Leo Fender, Les Paul, Ken Parker and Emmett Chapman, and the TT squiggly frets seem like a cool innovation; I share your goal of owning one some day to experience it for myself!
Hi I was wondering as you are someone with a lot of Strandberg experience and having a Neck-Thru, how much more would you think the Neck-Thru design is worth it? I'm torn between a fusion neck thru and a Prog NX and the price difference is ~600$ (both used). What would your recommendaction be? I enjoy the sound of both and enjoy the Neck Thru design a bit more, but 600$ just for that seems to be a hard to swallow pill. ^^ Cheers :)
Thanks for watching and commenting! You're the second person today to ask about neck thru vs bolt on lol My honest opinion is I think you'll be really happy either way. Neck thru does tend to sustain better in the really high frets than bolt on, but there's plenty of sustain from the bolt on 'bergs too. The NX has a better shaped neck joint so upper fret access has been improved, but nothing plays in the high frets than a neck thru 'berg. So I guess it depends on your playing and what you'll be planning to do with the instrument mostly. If you'll be mostly playing lines on the lower end of the neck and playing rhythm parts, save the money and go bolt on. Rock on!
@@aminorerror Thanks for the reply. Went for the Prog NX and in the end even got it for 900$ less than the fusion neck thru. Can't wait to have my first 'berg :)
is there a baritone scaled 6 string strandberg? or can i convert the standard 6 string to a lower tunings and change nothing on the standard set up , Usually with regular headstocked guitars you need to make the nut's hole more bigger to accomodate bigger strings, but strandbergs doesn't have that. Thanks!
Unfortunately at this time there isn't a Strandberg baritone six or seven string guitar...that's def a spot that might be cool for them to expand the lineup! I think for something like drop C on a six string 'berg it shouldn't have any problems. With the multi scale nature of all strandy's there should be plenty of tension on the low strings with the correct gauge strings on it. Unfortunately I've never tried to string up heavier duty strings on the three six strings that I've tested so far (and don't currently have one right now either) but I can say I've got to heavier strings on my OS 7 when going to drop Ab and haven't had any problems with nut width. There is a chance if you're going to substantially heavier gauge strings you could run into a problem, I just don't have any experience. Obviously a tech could help you out though and install a new nut, and the locking nut width's should be wide enough too to not run into any problems. Although if you do you could always order locking nuts for the 8 or 7 string models and install those. Hope that helps, and consider giving the channel a sub! I've got a whole bunch of guitar content on the way and sub really helps the channel grow.
@@aminorerror just because they made "boden classic"' with vintage style like telecaster electronic button layout but the salen with holllow and red color make me think of gibson SG modern style like guitars not fender like guitars
Hi, I wouldn't say one is better or worse than each other, it's a matter of personal preference. The Classic has an alder body where the Standard has a basswood body with a maple top and then veneer. The different body woods is going to change to tone of the instrument and it really comes down to personal preference. If you want those classic 'Stratocaster' tones I'd recommend going with the Classic as that's what that guitar is aiming for. Either guitar's stock pickups leave a little to be desired so I'd plan on doing a pickup swap to really upgrade the overall tone in general. Best of luck!
Hi Vincent, thanks for watching and leaving a comment, I appreciate your time. Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to check them out, but I saw on their website that you can get cheaper Ormsby's that look like they're made in Korea as the same factory that strandberg used to build their OS line. I've actually still got an OS 'berg and it's a great guitar so I'd love to give an Ormsby a try. I've got 11 new reviews and 3 EP's on the way right now, but unfortunately an Ormsby won't be a part of the new reviews. Hope you'll stop back and check em out, rock on!
@@aminorerror thx for the answer. Little deception to don't see great pickups brand on Ormsby's ( don't trust that much their own ) , but i fell in love with their headless design ( Goliath )
Thanks for the input, I'm def gonna get my hands on one eventually! The new Ibanez headless line and the Strandberg NX lines are all on my lists, but that'll be a while before I get to em' Rock on!
Have you had any QC issues with any of your bergs? I own a 2018 prog 6 and had a 2020 prog 7 model briefly (like a week) but sent the prog 7 back because it had some QC issues I couldn’t live with. My prog 6 on the other hand has never had an issue with it to date. You still have the Vader with the zebra wood fretboard, or you all strandberg now?
Hi, thanks for watching and commenting! Sadly, yes I've run into QC problems on two of the four Indo made Strandy's and it was the same problem on both: really nasty fret sprout/bad fret end filing. I'm curious if you had a similar problem, I've heard some people debate if it's bad QC or if because Indonesia has a much higher humidity climate that North America that maybe that's why the fret ends are so bad? Otherwise, I've never had a problem with any Strandy I've played. Currently I've still got my Vader, two Strandy's and my Ibby J Custom RG7CST, although the Ibby and Kiesel are pretty much only for recording at this point and I do most of my daily playing on the Strandy's (or whatever random new guitar has shown up for a review lol) I've got a new reviewing coming out tomorrow actually on a Strandy Prog 6 you might really dig as well as a new EP using my OS Boden Original and Kiesel Vader you might like too so if you haven't already please consider giving the channel a sub for loads of guitar content.
@@aminorerror the QC issues I had were a crack down the middle of fretboard from 13th fret to the end of fretboard running the depth of the fretboard at the neck pup and the fret end on the 9th fret was 2mm gap from fretboard. From what I’ve seen it’s real hit or miss with QC issues with the more recent production models because I’ve heard many others have had issues as well with 2020 models. I have a Vader 7 and vanquish 6 as well. Never had an issue with either of my kiesels except the 5 way in my Vader just recently went dead on position 2, and I’m undecided if I’m willing to purchase another strandberg in the future myself after my last experience. I love the design but feel like execution of it is subpar for the prices they charge esp for any of their 2k+ models. Also the prog 7 I had briefly was a refurb direct from strandberg with a QC date of 2/4/21 and I got it in the beginning of April so idk how these things were missed or how it came about just sitting in storage before it was sold and shipped to me. I live in Houston TX so humidity is always high here and have 4 other guitars with ebony boards which have never had fret sprout or unseated fret ends so you’re guess is as good as mine. Imo the ebony board on the prog 7 they sent me looked like it was really dried out and hadn’t been conditioned ever. Funny how I have an indo Ibanez gio that has better fret ends than that 2k strandy prog 7 I had lol.
WOAH never had any issues like that fortunately, fingers crossed that was just a one off. My experiences have been general fit and finish have been great and on par with any Kiesel/Ibanez/EBMM ect just the fret ends were horrid on two of the indo models I tested. The Classic and Fusion I tested were both perfect which is funny to me that the 'cheaper' Classic had great fretwork and then the Metal and Prog both had shit. IDK!
@@aminorerror ya, I was surprised it had these issues and a QC date that was recent to boot. I went the refurb route because no one has stock of the black prog 7s and heard great things about their refurbs with many people saying theirs were superb, unfortunately for me mine wasn’t. Tbh I kinda wish the scale length on the strandberg 6 was a 25.5-26” instead of 25-25.5” as it feels a bit slightly cramped playing above the 16-17th frets. As for my my favorite model for headless is the Vader, love the neckthru upper access and just the overall aesthetic of the model. Would love to try a hydra but they have a large fan for their multi scale even on a 6 string. My Vader 7 multiscale is about the widest fan I can play without having difficulty playing.
Strandberg def is having some kind of a supply chain issue or something, there's basically NO guitars available to buy on their website right now, and it's pretty limited elsewhere too. I'd love to try a Hydra too, those look bad ass but I DEF agree about the fan being too wide. Even my Vader is really too wide of a fan for my hands and unfortunately I don't agree with you on the Vader ergonomically speaking. The upper fret access is great but the body shape I don't find to be the most comfortable, and it's very uncomfortable to play standing with a strap. But, hey! That's just my opinion, everybody is different! I do love the way the Vader looks and sounds so that's all that really matters for tracking and shooting play through's lol
All of the guitars on the current lineup have carbon fiber reinforced necks and that's been the case since at least when they moved production to Indonesia. My older Korean made OS is carbon fiber reinforced but I'm not sure about the Chinese made Strandy's, I've heard bad things about those but they're also very hard to find at this point.
The only ones that sound good to me are the solid body ones. All the others have that lack of sustain, sound decay and sound bloom that is typical of chambered body guitars.
Personally I've never had those problems with the chambered body Strandy's I've played but that's def personal preference, and amp settings that can make a difference. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Nice choice! You can't go wrong with the original, I love my OS with trem. If you've never played an 8 they're really cool, although if you've never played an ERG they can be a bit confusing at first. I recently made a video for tips that helped me get adjusted to the 8 especially, stop by and check that out, it might really help speed up the process for ya. ua-cam.com/video/VLSs0PDQGek/v-deo.html
@@aminorerror I played an ERG way back in 2011 for a brief time and even manage to supported AAL for a show but I haven’t really played since then and for the last year I’ve just noodled on the 6. Unfortunately my wrist isn’t in good shape so I’m hoping the endur neck might be my salvation to comfortable playing
I've reviewed 8 strandberg's and the Indonesia factory is capable of building an instrument easily on par with any other brand at that price point, I'd actually argue it's a bit of a better value as they offer a multi scale tremolo, no other company has the endure neck or a more comfortable body design than strandberg's. Unfortunately I have tested a few where the QC (specifically bad fret sprout) has been off though so I always recommend to only buy from a retailer where returning it if you get a dud is available.
I actually was referring to the pricing. These are heavily overpriced. For a basswood Indo guitar no one should be willing to pay more than a grand or slightly above. Ibanez can do a MIJ RG550, a perfect instrument, for less than a grand. No love for brands you have to pay for the name. @@aminorerror
So you deleted my comment saying Strandberg is too expensive and Ibanez offers more for less? Why? Did I use rude language or offend you? I just have a different opinion. You have a UA-cam channel and expect approval only? Really? If you don't like discussions why do you have a comment section? This is unfair censorship. I am not the only one who thinks they are overpriced and they are not flawless. Check ot the reviews of Addiction machine or Andre Fludd and I sure can find more here. @@aminorerror
Great video. With few errors. The biggest difference between original and prog (NX) isn't neck material, but then fact that prog got tremolo system, where original got fixed bridge)
And worth mentioning Boden NX original got Suhr pickups for 6-string version and Fishman Fluid for 7 and 8 string.
And on standard there is custom OEM Humbuckers on 6 string and Custom OEM soapbar Humbuckers for 7 and 8stringed versions.
This video doesn't have errors, it's out of date. I shot and published this before the launch of the NX line (it hadn't been announced yet) so that's why things are different now...what I'd argue is for the worse. And I did in a recent video discussing my issues with the current lineup which includes all the info you pointed out. Thanks for watching and subbing, here's the most current video if you're interested. Rock on!
ua-cam.com/video/WYZyZvKxZ04/v-deo.html
@@aminorerror haha. Then I stand corrected. I was searching for NX version and this appeared. Did not notice it was the previous lineup.
All good, appreciate the comment! I pinned it to the top so hopefully anybody else watching this will see it and see it's out of date. I'd take it down but...ya know views are views and this took a lil bit to shoot/edit lol
Also the Prog NX has richlite not ebony fretboard, or at least in 2023 models@@aminorerror
I just got a NX Prog 7. It’s the best Strandberg I’ve played. The little changes they made make s huge difference.
Congrats on the new axe Ben! The NX series is next on my list for a review, I'm thinking about picking up a prog NX 6 in green maybe for a review I'll shoot this fall. Glad to hear the little changes are worth it
Best Strandberg channel out there on UA-cam bro! Keep up the good work, big fan of all your vids \m/ \m/
Thank you for watching and commenting! I just got a prog 6 in to review, that'll be out prob sometime in the spring, got five new guitar review videos in the works, and a new EP on the way. Thanks for the sub and support!
@@aminorerror Nice one man! I took your opinion into account and splashed out on an 8 string instead of the 6 (went for the classic 8 cos I'm not into the whole 'chambered body' thing on any guitar, like em solid, and alder seemed like I nice one too for an 8 string especially. Just need to find some decent pups to swap in....looking forward to your next videos - especially the prog one, and in time would love to see your thoughts in a comparison/shootout vid of each Strandberg 8 that you've been through!! Stay safe man and keep up the solid content
@@The2012jk YO congrats on the new axe!!! What color did you go with? So many great choices for 8 string pups out there, I'm not sure if fishman fluence would just drop right in on the routing on that guitar, but I love my set in my metal 8. Maybe a great set of passive dimarzio's if the fluence's wouldn't fit?
I think I might have already mentioned it, but I made a video on some simple concepts to help speed up the transition process getting use to the 8, it might feel a bit overwhelming at first. Just stick with it and force yourself to keep picking it up and it'll get easier. Here's a link to my video, and congrats again!!
ua-cam.com/video/VLSs0PDQGek/v-deo.html
@@aminorerror thanks man, went for a black classic 8. Very happy, yea I heard the fish mans are a good choice but I've played passives exclusively my whole life so not sure about the witch to actives, heard mixed things about fluency but they seem to be the best actives and maybe the best 8 string option in general. Will definitely look into dimarzios and got your video on adjusting to 8strings ready to fire up and look into today! Cheers for the advice again man, its invaluable to be able to get such reliable feedback from an experienced and honest source these days! Much appreciated, have a good one
I had a standard a couple years ago and the zero fret got a nick in it within a week
Thanks for watching and commenting Tom. The issues I'm describing is actually a different one, although yes a ding in the 0 fret is an issue I've heard about although I've never ran into it with my 'berg and I've been playing some for years now. I was talking about rough fret edges, or fret sprout. Usually I've encountered this one cheaper guitars with bad fret work, and that's the issue these guitars have had that I've tested. It could be coming from a high humidity climate like Indonesia to the states is causing it, but either way it's clearly worth mentioning.
Hey man, just wanted your opinion since you're well versed in Strandberg Guitars. I'm really interested in buying one but I'm worried about the EndurNeck. I'm unable to try one so I'd just have to buy it and hope for the best haha. How did you find the transition to the neck?
Thanks for watching and commenting on my video! IMO, I think you'll like the neck. Almost anyone I've known who's tried one out has loved the ergonomics of the guitar in general and that def goes the same for the endureneck. I found it very quick to get used to the neck, if anything the multiscale aspect was harder than the shape of the endure neck at first. Within a couple days it all felt very natural to me, the flat part is where you're thumb is supposed to follow to help keep your wrist straighter and if you keep that in mind and sit in a classical position with a foot stand for your left foot you'll wonder how you ever practiced in any other way before. Also worth noting the fan and shape of the endureneck is pretty conservative on 6 string 'berg models, the fan and different neck shape really comes into play on a 7 or 8 string so if you're going 6 stringer I'd almost guarantee you'll love it. Hope that helps, thanks for watching!
I have a Prog NX 6 - it is not an ebony fretboard. I don't think any Strandberg has an ebony fretboard, but correct me if I am wrong. My guitar has Richlite, which I really like since it is so easy to maintain and you don't get the temp/humidity issues like fret sprout.
Yep you're right! They made the change to Richlite on the NX line but I made this video before that line came out (I've been debating making a new one?). I've got a Prog 7 NX in for review right now and I def agree, the Richlite is great and it's kinda a no brainer. Performs the same and it's more sustainable, basically a win win!
I also have 2 Strandbergs and I'm having problems with the zero fret. Have you ever had any issue with the zero fret? Any dents or something?
Nuts sorry to hear about your problems with the zero fret, it's one area I've actually never had any problems on any 'berg's I've tested or more importantly owned. I've heard other people talk about problems though and I know strindberg equips a harder metal for the 0 fret to help avoid this issue. Unfortunately you'll probably have to take it to a luthier and have them look at it to fix the issue, that's a bummer. Best of luck!
@@aminorerrorHi, thanks for your reply. That's what I'm going to do this week. Let's see if I can solve this.
"The Metal model is made with a metal guitar player in mind" geez, thanks for the info.
You're welcome. Thanks for watching.
Hey great Vid here and explanations as always!! A couple of quick questions please: (1) Do you think that jump up to basically $3 grand justifies the neck-thru price tag? (2) Any thoughts on ebony versus maple fretboards? (3) What are your thoughts on the different pickup configurations? (4) Is tuning stability still an issue in the trem models you've played, and finally (5) Any thoughts on the chambered vs non-chambered models in terms of sound -- and weight? Ok, l that's it, I swear LOL...!! Thanks!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
1. Yes, the neck through on strandberg's is that good. Upper fret access is the best I've played on any brand guitar. Being as I'm mostly an ERG player and all neck through models right now are 6's, I'm impatiently waiting for a prog 7 in neck through lol
2. I don't find there's much of a tonal difference between maple or ebony. They're both hard woods (compared to something like rosewood) and IMO it comes down to cosmetic preference.
3. The different pickup configs are great, and it depends on the player. For me, I never use a middle single coil tones and the pickup always seems to just get in the way for me so the fusion layout isn't something I'd go out of my way to have. For other players it is though. I'm a two humbucker and a 5 way switch kinda player.
4. The tuning stability is as good as any other non double locking design (EBMM Petrucci model comes to mind). It's stable and will flutter ect but it will go out of tune if you REALLY abuse it and the fluttering isn't the greatest. For 99% of playing though it's great and for very accurate whammy bar work where you're using it to get at certain pitches is might be the best system.
5. I prefer chambered, the Strandberg website says that the solid body guitars have slightly better note definition for rhythm playing, but I've found the chambered body's to have great definition note wise. I always use a Kiesel for all my rhythm work anyway lol
Hope that helps, and I've love to know what guitar you go with!
@@aminorerror Thanks so much for taking the time here with your insightful info! Greatly appreciated, and keep up the awesome playing..!!
I wonder what would my local luthier say if I tell him to re-fret a strandberg true temperament (or any microtonal guitar). Is every ¨normal¨ luthier able to handle that?
I've got no idea, I think the true temperament system is supposed to be pretty modular but it's got to be harder to work with. They're also stainless steel frets which makes working on them harder too. The good news is they'll take a much longer time to wear so you shouldn't have to need any fretwork done for a long time.
Hey, I came here from Mustang review, can you do video or reply to me if it it reliable car? Looking to buy it in few years
Haha well thanks for checking out my guitar videos too.
My car has been very reliable for me (knock on wood) and hasn't had any issues. Since I've owned my car since brand new I've kept up on all scheduled maintenance and I've never been late on an oil change (very important on a turbo car like mine) and at 53,000 miles the clutch is still in great shape.
You'll obviously be buying one used so that can get tricky. If the previous owner didn't take care of it or missed oil changes you might be inheriting some problems (if you're going to for ecoboost and not a GT).
I love my car but I've had crap experience with used cars in the past and I'm not interested in inheriting someone else's problems again so just be aware you might run into problems. Best of luck though, I think the redesign of the 2015 on up on Mustang's has been great.
> the only difference between the original and the prog is gonna be the fingerboard construction
Doesn't prog has the tremolo and original the fixed bridge?
It also has different pickups.
There's no difference in Pickups from a Prog or Original, but the Original can come with a Fixed bridge or a Tremolo where the prog is only a tremolo model. The biggest difference is the ebony finger board on the prog vs maple on the original.
@@aminorerror According to the strandberg website the original has “.strandberg original humbucker pickups” and the prog has “.Strandberg prog humbucker pickups”.
This is under the spec list for the neck through models.
The non neck through models have “fishman fluence modern pickups” for the prog and “Suhr SSH+ & SSV passive pickups” for the original
Ah good call, I wasn't checking the stats on the neck through models just the bolt on ones where they're the same.
I'd be pretty skeptical of those strandberg branded pickups, I'm really surprised they're going with their own units in those guitars. I played a classic with strandberg pickups and was pretty disappointed overall. Those are obviously not the same set, but especially those Suhr pickups are amazing. A fusion and prog 6 I've got right now has them and they're amazing. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Didn;t say anything about the metal ones. So what's different about them? How is it designed with metal in mind?
I thought I talked more about the metal lineup, but it's a body wood change. They've got basswood bodies vs the swamp ash of the prog or original.
Great! Video great production as well
Thank you!
I'd enjoy a true temperament review on your channel when you can get your hands on one. For years I couldn't understand why my guitars could never seem to get perfectly in tune, and always assumed it was because I couldn't afford top of the line models. When I learned about true temperament frets it all made sense, and I've been wanting a TT guitar ever since. With Strandberg making them now it's a bit closer to a reasonable possibility for me (I'm saving for one now...). The ultimate combination for me would be neck-thru with TT... maybe Strandberg will release that combination by the time I've finished saving up for one.
Thanks for watching and commenting! The true temperament system is really interesting to me, both in that I won't if those weird looking frets are harder to play on and in that I won't if I'd like how it sounds. I recently watched a great video showing how John Fruscante tuned his strat out of tune so the interval of a third would be more pleasant sounding than in normal tuning. I wonder if the TT system would sound more like that recording?
Unfortunately it prob won't be a while till I'll be able to try one out, although I just got a prog 6 in that I'm currently working on a new review. That'll be out in the spring when I'm releasing my new EP, can't wait to share all that with you! If you get your TT before I do be sure to let me know you're thoughts on it!
ua-cam.com/video/Daw93bRHe4Y/v-deo.html
We should be careful not to promote the idea of a guitar ever being perfectly in tune; the true temperament frets I imagine make it closer, but even freshly and expertly tuned pianos are never perfectly in tune because each of the 12 possible key centers in western music has to be specifically tuned only for that key.
It was a choice musicians and composers made to have the instruments be tuned to facilitate the ability to modulate freely from any key to any of the other 11 keys, and have each key be approximately in tune, but never quite perfect because if it was perfect for one key it would be further out for all the others, So we choose to compromise instead, and have instruments that are almost perfectly in tune but never quite so that they have the versatility to be able to play equally well in 12 different keys.
@@Gregorypeckory If a guitar can be tuned as well as a piano, I'll be happy. I understand it's not perfect because of how intervals and keys work, but to me a well tuned piano sounds "right" and being able to get that level of accuracy across the fretboard would be amazing. I understand it's not required because most music isn't produced on TT guitars and sounds great anyway, but I would enjoy having it for myself as a hobbyist.
@@jordanjennings I agree completely; I just think it's worth noting that none of our instruments that are designed to be played as well as can be in all keys, are only ever very close, never right on the money.
However I agree that it sounds better the closer you get and I definitely don't mean to knock the effort; I love all guitar improvements and have always been a fan of innovators like Leo Fender, Les Paul, Ken Parker and Emmett Chapman, and the TT squiggly frets seem like a cool innovation; I share your goal of owning one some day to experience it for myself!
Very Informative!!!
Thanks for watching! Appreciate the support!
Hi I was wondering as you are someone with a lot of Strandberg experience and having a Neck-Thru, how much more would you think the Neck-Thru design is worth it? I'm torn between a fusion neck thru and a Prog NX and the price difference is ~600$ (both used). What would your recommendaction be? I enjoy the sound of both and enjoy the Neck Thru design a bit more, but 600$ just for that seems to be a hard to swallow pill. ^^ Cheers :)
Thanks for watching and commenting! You're the second person today to ask about neck thru vs bolt on lol My honest opinion is I think you'll be really happy either way. Neck thru does tend to sustain better in the really high frets than bolt on, but there's plenty of sustain from the bolt on 'bergs too. The NX has a better shaped neck joint so upper fret access has been improved, but nothing plays in the high frets than a neck thru 'berg. So I guess it depends on your playing and what you'll be planning to do with the instrument mostly. If you'll be mostly playing lines on the lower end of the neck and playing rhythm parts, save the money and go bolt on. Rock on!
@@aminorerror Thanks for the reply. Went for the Prog NX and in the end even got it for 900$ less than the fusion neck thru. Can't wait to have my first 'berg :)
Sounds like you got a killer deal, congrats! I think you're gonna be really happy with the new axe.
is there a baritone scaled 6 string strandberg? or can i convert the standard 6 string to a lower tunings and change nothing on the standard set up , Usually with regular headstocked guitars you need to make the nut's hole more bigger to accomodate bigger strings, but strandbergs doesn't have that. Thanks!
Unfortunately at this time there isn't a Strandberg baritone six or seven string guitar...that's def a spot that might be cool for them to expand the lineup!
I think for something like drop C on a six string 'berg it shouldn't have any problems. With the multi scale nature of all strandy's there should be plenty of tension on the low strings with the correct gauge strings on it.
Unfortunately I've never tried to string up heavier duty strings on the three six strings that I've tested so far (and don't currently have one right now either) but I can say I've got to heavier strings on my OS 7 when going to drop Ab and haven't had any problems with nut width.
There is a chance if you're going to substantially heavier gauge strings you could run into a problem, I just don't have any experience. Obviously a tech could help you out though and install a new nut, and the locking nut width's should be wide enough too to not run into any problems. Although if you do you could always order locking nuts for the 8 or 7 string models and install those.
Hope that helps, and consider giving the channel a sub! I've got a whole bunch of guitar content on the way and sub really helps the channel grow.
@@aminorerror Thank you very much!
the Salen is more a gibson les paul like shape in modern way with hollow and chambered body
Salen is a Telecaster style guitar. Thanks for watching.
@@aminorerror just because they made "boden classic"' with vintage style like telecaster electronic button layout but the salen with holllow and red color make me think of gibson SG modern style like guitars not fender like guitars
@@aminorerror Sorry said gibson SG but i mean Gibson ES
@@aminorerror The starcaster which is re produce today is the unique fender like hollow body
Hi, please advise, which is better: classic 6 (HSS) or Boden 6 (also HSS)?
Hi, I wouldn't say one is better or worse than each other, it's a matter of personal preference. The Classic has an alder body where the Standard has a basswood body with a maple top and then veneer. The different body woods is going to change to tone of the instrument and it really comes down to personal preference. If you want those classic 'Stratocaster' tones I'd recommend going with the Classic as that's what that guitar is aiming for. Either guitar's stock pickups leave a little to be desired so I'd plan on doing a pickup swap to really upgrade the overall tone in general. Best of luck!
since you know your stuff, did you try Ormsby headless, and what did you feel about it ? personally i'm a fan of the design / look
Hi Vincent, thanks for watching and leaving a comment, I appreciate your time. Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to check them out, but I saw on their website that you can get cheaper Ormsby's that look like they're made in Korea as the same factory that strandberg used to build their OS line. I've actually still got an OS 'berg and it's a great guitar so I'd love to give an Ormsby a try. I've got 11 new reviews and 3 EP's on the way right now, but unfortunately an Ormsby won't be a part of the new reviews. Hope you'll stop back and check em out, rock on!
@@aminorerror thx for the answer. Little deception to don't see great pickups brand on Ormsby's ( don't trust that much their own ) , but i fell in love with their headless design ( Goliath )
Thanks for the input, I'm def gonna get my hands on one eventually! The new Ibanez headless line and the Strandberg NX lines are all on my lists, but that'll be a while before I get to em' Rock on!
Have you had any QC issues with any of your bergs? I own a 2018 prog 6 and had a 2020 prog 7 model briefly (like a week) but sent the prog 7 back because it had some QC issues I couldn’t live with. My prog 6 on the other hand has never had an issue with it to date. You still have the Vader with the zebra wood fretboard, or you all strandberg now?
Hi, thanks for watching and commenting!
Sadly, yes I've run into QC problems on two of the four Indo made Strandy's and it was the same problem on both: really nasty fret sprout/bad fret end filing. I'm curious if you had a similar problem, I've heard some people debate if it's bad QC or if because Indonesia has a much higher humidity climate that North America that maybe that's why the fret ends are so bad? Otherwise, I've never had a problem with any Strandy I've played.
Currently I've still got my Vader, two Strandy's and my Ibby J Custom RG7CST, although the Ibby and Kiesel are pretty much only for recording at this point and I do most of my daily playing on the Strandy's (or whatever random new guitar has shown up for a review lol)
I've got a new reviewing coming out tomorrow actually on a Strandy Prog 6 you might really dig as well as a new EP using my OS Boden Original and Kiesel Vader you might like too so if you haven't already please consider giving the channel a sub for loads of guitar content.
@@aminorerror the QC issues I had were a crack down the middle of fretboard from 13th fret to the end of fretboard running the depth of the fretboard at the neck pup and the fret end on the 9th fret was 2mm gap from fretboard. From what I’ve seen it’s real hit or miss with QC issues with the more recent production models because I’ve heard many others have had issues as well with 2020 models. I have a Vader 7 and vanquish 6 as well. Never had an issue with either of my kiesels except the 5 way in my Vader just recently went dead on position 2, and I’m undecided if I’m willing to purchase another strandberg in the future myself after my last experience. I love the design but feel like execution of it is subpar for the prices they charge esp for any of their 2k+ models. Also the prog 7 I had briefly was a refurb direct from strandberg with a QC date of 2/4/21 and I got it in the beginning of April so idk how these things were missed or how it came about just sitting in storage before it was sold and shipped to me. I live in Houston TX so humidity is always high here and have 4 other guitars with ebony boards which have never had fret sprout or unseated fret ends so you’re guess is as good as mine. Imo the ebony board on the prog 7 they sent me looked like it was really dried out and hadn’t been conditioned ever. Funny how I have an indo Ibanez gio that has better fret ends than that 2k strandy prog 7 I had lol.
WOAH never had any issues like that fortunately, fingers crossed that was just a one off. My experiences have been general fit and finish have been great and on par with any Kiesel/Ibanez/EBMM ect just the fret ends were horrid on two of the indo models I tested. The Classic and Fusion I tested were both perfect which is funny to me that the 'cheaper' Classic had great fretwork and then the Metal and Prog both had shit. IDK!
@@aminorerror ya, I was surprised it had these issues and a QC date that was recent to boot. I went the refurb route because no one has stock of the black prog 7s and heard great things about their refurbs with many people saying theirs were superb, unfortunately for me mine wasn’t. Tbh I kinda wish the scale length on the strandberg 6 was a 25.5-26” instead of 25-25.5” as it feels a bit slightly cramped playing above the 16-17th frets. As for my my favorite model for headless is the Vader, love the neckthru upper access and just the overall aesthetic of the model. Would love to try a hydra but they have a large fan for their multi scale even on a 6 string. My Vader 7 multiscale is about the widest fan I can play without having difficulty playing.
Strandberg def is having some kind of a supply chain issue or something, there's basically NO guitars available to buy on their website right now, and it's pretty limited elsewhere too.
I'd love to try a Hydra too, those look bad ass but I DEF agree about the fan being too wide. Even my Vader is really too wide of a fan for my hands and unfortunately I don't agree with you on the Vader ergonomically speaking. The upper fret access is great but the body shape I don't find to be the most comfortable, and it's very uncomfortable to play standing with a strap.
But, hey! That's just my opinion, everybody is different! I do love the way the Vader looks and sounds so that's all that really matters for tracking and shooting play through's lol
What about a carbon reinforced neck. Not all of them have carbon included
All of the guitars on the current lineup have carbon fiber reinforced necks and that's been the case since at least when they moved production to Indonesia. My older Korean made OS is carbon fiber reinforced but I'm not sure about the Chinese made Strandy's, I've heard bad things about those but they're also very hard to find at this point.
The only ones that sound good to me are the solid body ones. All the others have that lack of sustain, sound decay and sound bloom that is typical of chambered body guitars.
Personally I've never had those problems with the chambered body Strandy's I've played but that's def personal preference, and amp settings that can make a difference. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Excellent! Thank you for this.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Nice rundown. Very informative. A small point but you could gesture a bit less frequently. It gets pretty distracting after a while.
Thanks for watching and commenting! Appreciate the feedback...I'm trying to tone it down but it's easy to get carried away subconsciously lol
Recently found your channel and enjoy the content. Really helpful for my strandberg research
Thanks for watching and commenting! Which model are you going to go with?
@@aminorerror definitely an original in natural. Still contemplating either a 7 or an 8
Nice choice! You can't go wrong with the original, I love my OS with trem. If you've never played an 8 they're really cool, although if you've never played an ERG they can be a bit confusing at first. I recently made a video for tips that helped me get adjusted to the 8 especially, stop by and check that out, it might really help speed up the process for ya.
ua-cam.com/video/VLSs0PDQGek/v-deo.html
@@aminorerror thanks!
@@aminorerror I played an ERG way back in 2011 for a brief time and even manage to supported AAL for a show but I haven’t really played since then and for the last year I’ve just noodled on the 6. Unfortunately my wrist isn’t in good shape so I’m hoping the endur neck might be my salvation to comfortable playing
2 grands for a Indo guitar? Honestly?
I've reviewed 8 strandberg's and the Indonesia factory is capable of building an instrument easily on par with any other brand at that price point, I'd actually argue it's a bit of a better value as they offer a multi scale tremolo, no other company has the endure neck or a more comfortable body design than strandberg's. Unfortunately I have tested a few where the QC (specifically bad fret sprout) has been off though so I always recommend to only buy from a retailer where returning it if you get a dud is available.
I actually was referring to the pricing.
These are heavily overpriced. For a basswood Indo guitar no one should be willing to pay more than a grand or slightly above.
Ibanez can do a MIJ RG550, a perfect instrument, for less than a grand.
No love for brands you have to pay for the name. @@aminorerror
Strong disagree. The features are on par with any other brand, is EBMM that's overpriced by about a grand per guitar.
So you deleted my comment saying Strandberg is too expensive and Ibanez offers more for less?
Why? Did I use rude language or offend you? I just have a different opinion. You have a UA-cam channel and expect approval only? Really?
If you don't like discussions why do you have a comment section? This is unfair censorship.
I am not the only one who thinks they are overpriced and they are not flawless. Check ot the reviews of Addiction machine or Andre Fludd and I sure can find more here. @@aminorerror
Apparently that’s a common issue, annoying but otherwise a fantastic guitar
expensive as hell!